Semiotic Sketch-based Interface
February 9th, 2007This “Magic Paper” interface developed by the Microsoft-MIT Alliance is incredible – it allows the user to sketch objects which have distinct meanings – objects can be “fixed” to a location or can emulate “cables” or “springs”. Wheels and axles are also implemented. Watch as the computer understands the sketch which the subject creates, and simulates the physics of the scene he draws. It seems like the software is downloadable here, but requires a Windows Tablet PC.Imagine a version of this which integrates information about, say, pedestrian circulation, or sunlight and thermal insulation, and this could be an extremely useful interface for urban planners or green architects.
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February 9th, 2007 at 12:38 pm
By complete coincidence, I worked on this project for a while doing ClockSketch, which I also won an award for. At one point I asked Prof. Davis if they were planning to do anything for architects and he said yes. However, most of the project is geared towards educational software- they’re also planning to release a Magic Paper version which allows the user to draw electronic circuits and see how they would work.
February 9th, 2007 at 4:33 pm
It’s a Newton MessagePad with physics!